Emirati teen ready for Antarctica expedition

The inspirational student will begin her journey to the Earth’s southernmost point on Friday.

Samia. — Supplied photo

The mercury is set to rise in Dubai on March 7, with highs of 30°C forecast for the weekend. But as most of us plan for a Friday get together with family and friends, 17-year-old SamiaAl Mudharrebwill embark on an epic expedition, where temperatures are set to reach an unimaginable -46°C.

A stark change from the soaring heats of the Dubai desert, the ambitious teenager will be the UAE’s first Emirati to accompany environmental leader, Robert Swan, on a voyage to Antarctica.

Just days before setting off on the challenging journey,Al Mudharrebopens up to Khaleej Times’ during a “rare 10 minute break”.

“My biggest fear is going and never coming back,” she says, adding that her family have been the best support team she could ask for.

“I think my mom is more worried than she is letting on. But they really have been my backbone. My dad has always pushed me to get my voice heard, so this is the perfect opportunity to do it.”

After hearing about the expedition through her mom’s workplace,Al Mudharrebsays she got a bit of heat off some family members when she first broached the idea to them.

“My aunts and uncles were shocked at the beginning. It’s not something they are used to, but they’ve come round to the idea now.”

Set to battle ferocious, icy winds and metres-deep snow, the inspirational student, who was recently chosen to be one of the ambassadors for the annual Earth Hour, will begin her journey to the Earth’s southernmost point on Friday.

Joining about 80 other people on the trek, including corporate leaders, environmentalists and entrepreneurs,Al Mudharreband her nine team members — who were selected for the trip by GEMs Modern High School — will be the youngest group to descend upon the South Pole.

The debut trip, which will bring together environmental crusaders from around the world, aims to extend a treaty, which is due to expire in 2041, that bans drilling on the continent, as well as promote measures to save the Antarctic from over exploitation and environmental degradation.

AndAl Mudharrebsays environmental awareness is something that has been instilled in her from as far back as she can remember.

“My mum works for Dewa, so I have been exposed to sustainability and conservation awareness since I was a child. The seed was planted from a very young age.”

Set atop a barren, windswept, icy plateau, at an altitude of 2,835 metres above sea level, the South Pole will be just one stop along the team’s journey through the Antarctic Peninsula, and although slightly anxious, the young teen says she feels blessed to have been given such an opportunity.

“I have always been told to dream big. I want my voice to be heard and I want people to realise just how important it is to look after our planet.”

Bitter temperatures

Not one for cold weather,Al Mudharrebjokes with Khaleej Times’ reporter about a previous trip to Switzerland.

“No matter how many layers I put on, I still felt the cold. That’s when I realised cold conditions are not for me.”

Having to wear four layers of clothing everyday, preparations have been quite costly, she says.

“I have bought so many clothes. We have to put on a thermal, then a fleece shirt and a fleece jacket, then a waterproof, high visibility jacket.”

A far cry from her comfortable surroundings in Dubai, Al Mudharrebwill first fly to Argentina where she and her team will board a ship, which will become their home for a fortnight.

From Argentina, the team will make a one and a half day trip to their final destination, where they will make daily trips onto land to participate in leadership skills and teamwork talks.

So how has the young teen been preparing herself for the trip?

“Me and my team meet up twice a week for physical training and mental conditioning. We’re going to be very isolated, so we need to prepare ourselves for that.”

Due to partake in several hiking expeditions and long-distance trekking on the trip,Al Mudharrebactive lifestyle, including being a member of a taekwondo, basketball and football team, is bound to bode well for her throughout the expedition.

And although the ambitious teen is keen to pursue a career in the medical field, she says environmental campaigning will always be a big part of her life.

“I want to set a great example to others and I will always volunteer for causes which look after our earth, no matter what job I do.” -kelly@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE